Peer-reviewed article
FATHERS’ ROLE IN CHILD NUTRITION AND GROWTH: AN OVERLOOKED FACTOR IN STUNTING PREVENTION
Shindy Claudya Aprianti ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This narrative mini-review looks at literature from 2015 to 2024 on how fathers affect child nutrition and growth in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on stunting in Indonesia. It reports that fathers' support is linked to better breastfeeding practices and more varied diets for children. Fathers often know less about nutrition guidelines than mothers, and cultural norms that treat caregiving as a mother's job limit their involvement. The authors say evidence linking father involvement to lower stunting is limited but growing, and they call for more research in Indonesia and other countries.
Key points
- Studies from South Asia and Africa show that paternal support improves breastfeeding initiation and reduces early introduction of formula or complementary foods.
- Children whose fathers took part in meal planning or food purchasing were more likely to receive diverse diets.
- Fathers generally have lower awareness of nutrition guidelines than mothers, including on sugar-sweetened beverages, portion sizes and micronutrient supplementation.
- Limited but growing evidence links paternal involvement with reduced risk of stunting and underweight, possibly through maternal support and household food security.
- Stunting affects one in five Indonesian children under five (SSGI 2024).
Limitations
This is a narrative mini-review, and the abstract does not describe how studies were selected or appraised, nor does it report effect sizes. The evidence on stunting is described as limited, and the authors say more research is needed in Indonesia and other LMICs.
Abstract
Background: Child nutrition and growth are often framed as the responsibility of mothers. Global programs on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) emphasize maternal education, breastfeeding practices, and household food preparation. However, recent evidence suggests that fathers play a significant but under-recognized role in shaping dietary practices, health-seeking behaviors, and growth outcomes. Fathers influence family income allocation, food purchasing decisions, and the overall household environment. Their attitudes toward nutrition and health services can affect maternal practices and children’s access to adequate diets. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia, cultural norms may limit paternal involvement in caregiving, leaving gaps in nutrition promotion and child health. As stunting continues to affect one in five Indonesian children under five (SSGI 2024), exploring fathers’ role in child nutrition may offer new insights for public health interventions. Objective: To review recent literature (2015–2024) on the role of fathers in child nutrition and growth, with a focus on implications for stunting prevention strategies in LMICs. Method: A narrative mini-review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and UNICEF/WHO reports. Keywords included father involvement, child nutrition, infant and young child feeding, growth, stunting. Inclusion criteria: studies published between 2015 and 2024 that assessed paternal knowledge, attitudes, or practices related to child feeding and growth outcomes. Results: Father involvement in IYCF: Studies from South Asia and Africa show that paternal support improves breastfeeding initiation and reduces early introduction of formula or complementary foods. Dietary diversity: Children with fathers engaged in meal planning or food purchasing were more likely to receive diverse diets. Knowledge gaps: Surveys reveal that fathers generally have lower awareness of nutrition guidelines compared to mothers, particularly regarding sugar-sweetened beverages, portion sizes, and micronutrient supplementation. Impact on growth outcomes: Limited but growing evidence links paternal involvement with reduced risk of stunting and underweight, suggesting indirect pathways through maternal support and household food security. Cultural barriers: In many LMICs, caregiving is socially framed as a maternal duty, leading fathers to underestimate their role in nutrition. Discussion: The literature indicates that fathers’ engagement is a missing link in stunting prevention efforts. While mothers remain primary caregivers, fathers strongly shape the food environment and resource allocation. Addressing paternal knowledge gaps and cultural barriers could enhance the effectiveness of child nutrition programs. Community-based interventions that include fathers have shown promising results in improving IYCF practices. Conclusion: Fathers play a crucial yet under-recognized role in child nutrition and growth. Integrating paternal involvement into public health strategies may improve dietary practices, support maternal caregiving, and reduce stunting risk. More research is needed in Indonesia and other LMICs to quantify this impact and design culturally appropriate interventions.